Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy goodness of Crack Chicken Penne filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This irresistible dish combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, a creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s pure comfort in every bite.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that my whole family would love. The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese was an instant hit, and now it’s a regular request in our household. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without a ton of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that checks all the boxes—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This Crack Chicken Penne is a lifesaver when you need a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

First off, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal on the table in no time.

It’s also incredibly family-friendly. The rich, cheesy sauce paired with crispy bacon makes this dish irresistible to both kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.

If you love meal prepping, this recipe is a winner. The flavors develop even more overnight, making leftovers just as tasty—if not better—than the first serving.

Best of all, Crack Chicken Penne is easily customizable. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap out the protein, or make it a bit lighter, there are plenty of ways to tweak this dish to fit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crack Chicken Penne comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in creating that signature creamy, cheesy, and smoky taste.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the flavors beautifully. If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Bacon adds a crispy, smoky bite that takes this dish to the next level. Cook it until it's perfectly crisp, then crumble it over the pasta for the ultimate finishing touch.

Ranch seasoning is the secret ingredient that ties everything together. It infuses the sauce with tangy, herby goodness, making every bite incredibly flavorful. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own homemade ranch mix for a fresher taste.

Cheddar cheese creates that rich, gooey texture that makes this dish so addictive. For the best melt, use freshly grated cheddar instead of pre-shredded, which can have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Heavy cream and chicken broth form the base of the luscious sauce. The combination keeps it creamy without being too heavy, balancing out the richness of the cheese and bacon.

For the pasta, penne is an excellent choice because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly. However, rotini or rigatoni can also work well if you want to switch it up.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making this dish is a breeze, and the end result is absolutely irresistible. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by cooking your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove it and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.

Next, season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of ranch seasoning. Sauté it in the same skillet until golden brown and cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set aside with the bacon.

In the same skillet, pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining ranch seasoning, letting it all meld together into a rich, creamy sauce.

Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it cook until tender, absorbing all that flavorful liquid. If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is fully cooked, add a bit more broth as needed.

Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the cooked chicken and most of the crispy bacon, saving a little for garnish. Add the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and velvety.

Top with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Storage Options

Crack Chicken Penne is just as delicious the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results.

For refrigeration, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to soak up the sauce, so you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

If you want to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stovetop with a bit of extra liquid to loosen up the sauce.

When reheating, use a low heat setting on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. This keeps the sauce from separating and maintains the creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is how versatile it is. Here are a few easy ways to customize it to your liking.

If you want to make it lighter, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be creamy and flavorful.

For extra veggies, toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. They’ll add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the dish.

Looking to add some heat? A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will give the sauce a spicy kick, perfect for those who love a little extra heat in their meals.

If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp or turkey for a different take on this dish.

Want to make it even cheesier? Stir in some Parmesan or mozzarella for an extra gooey, indulgent sauce.

No matter how you tweak it, this Crack Chicken Penne is a guaranteed hit. Try it your way and see just how deliciously addictive it can be!

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